§ 25. Mr. PIKEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been 1757 directed to the outbreak of a lung disease amongst female workers operating a process of chromium-plating stainless steel in Sheffield; whether he is aware that the medical officers who have examined the victims have expressed their belief that the disease is due to inhaling fumes of vitriol used in the process of plating; and if he will cause immediate inquiry to be made with a view to preventing a spread of this malady?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy attention has not previously been directed to this matter, but investigation is being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result. If he has any particulars he can give me, I shall be glad to have them.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the Home Secretary aware that particulars of the specific cases quoted in the question are in the hands of the Sheffield Trades and Labour Council, who have refused to divulge any further information than that which has already appeared in the Press; and will he take action, so far as they are concerned, with a view to securing the necessary information?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware that I have any power to do so, but I will look into the matter.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up a special committee to inquire into the undoubted extension of industrial diseases due to the introduction of new manufacturing processes?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis matter is being investigated, and, until I have had some report on it, I am not in a position to form an opinion.